Burroughs Mountain Trail

 

Burroughs Mountain Trail

• Distance, round trip: 7 miles to Second Burroughs, 4.7 miles to First Burroughs
• Elevation gain: 900 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 2.5 hours
• Wilderness camps: Sunrise Camp

Trailhead Location

The Burroughs Mountains can be reached via several trail routes, all starting from the Sunrise parking lot. The Emmons Vista Trailhead is on the south side of the Sunrise parking lot and connects to the Sunrise Rim Trail to reach First Burroughs (hiking clockwise). Or use the Sourdough Ridge Trailhead on the north side of the parking lot to hike to Frozen Lake and then to First Burroughs.

Trail Description

This series of peaks on Mount Rainier's northeast slope honors naturalist and essayist John Burroughs.

Traveling in a clockwise direction using the Sunrise Rim Trail, the trail passes Shadow Lake on a level grade then climbs sharply to an overlook on the White River and Emmons Glacier. Beyond the overlook, the route continues up and onto the wide, flat plateau of First Burroughs Mountain. To make a loop, turn right and hike east to the Frozen Lake junction, then follow the Sourdough Ridge Trail another 1.4 miles east back to the Sunrise parking lot. Or, start from the Sourdough Ridge Trail to hike this route counterclockwise.

To reach Second Burroughs, from First Burroughs head west on the Burroughs Mountain Trail an additional 0.7 miles to climb to Second Burroughs Mountain, featuring spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier.

Check current trail conditions before starting your hike! Early season hiking on this trail may be hazardous due to steep snow-covered slopes. Please hike only on the constructed trails and help minimize impact on this delicate environment.

Along the Trail

The mountain views from any point on this trail are superb and Burroughs Mountain offers possibly the finest, most assessable tundra in the Cascades. Plants able to survive in this harsh environment are extremely delicate and slow growing. Please help them to survive by staying on the trail!

Backpacking

Although there is no camp on Burroughs Mountain, Sunrise Camp lies along the way, approximately one mile from the parking area near Shadow Lake. It is popular with families who wish to hike only a short distance before making camp. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

 

Hiking Safety